To promote transit trade between Ghana and Burkina Faso, the Burkina Faso Shippers Council erected an ultramodern office facility at the Tema Port enclave. The office was constructed, according to Al Hassane Sienou, the board chairman of the Burkina Shippers Council, as part of a significant infrastructure project that the Council's governing body undertook under its strategic growth plan.

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The office building would improve the Shippers Council's operations and assist it carry out its purpose, according to Mr. Roland Somda, the Burkinabe Minister of Transport. The mandate includes ensuring regular supply of products and goods to Burkina Faso in the best conditions pertaining to cost, speed, and security.

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The Council also assists shippers and protects their interests, which contributes to the competitiveness of Burkinabe export products on the international market, among others. Mr Frederick Obeng Adom, Ghana’s Deputy Minister of Transport, called for a strengthened collaboration toward the shared objectives of both countries.

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This is line with the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) objectives, which aimed at, but not limited to, reducing poverty and shared prosperity among member countries. Mrs Sandra Opoku, the Director of Tema Port, gave the assurance that the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GPHA) would continuously improve on all measures to sustain the transit trade.

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The GPHA began with the provision of lands to the transit representatives to build offices and warehouses to support their administrative and operational activities. She said in a bid to reduce the cost of doing business in Ghana, especially for the transit customers, the GPHA granted rebates on its cargo volumes, and 21 days rent-free for all transit cargo, with automated ports processes to reduce delays.

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